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Crackdown on Bangkok street stalls as pedestrians vie for space

They sell everything from noodle soup to sex toys, but Bangkok's famed street hawkers are now facing a crackdown as authorities in the fast-growing metropolis struggle to make space for pedestrians on the crowded pavements. Duration: 01:48

Mar 1, 2015

Writers association in Chennai condemns attack on writer

Chennai, March 01 (ANI): A writers’ association in Tamil Nadu staged a protest, condemning an attack on writer Puliyur Murugesan by a particular community. Murugesan was attacked on Thursday by members of a particular community in the wake of his book ‘I am also known as Balachandran’. As per reports, a chapter in the book narrated the illicit affair between a man and his daughter-in-law in a family belonging to the community, which drew ire. Meanwhile, Murugesan, who is recovering in a hospital, said that he did not intend to hurt anyone with his writing and was willing to apologise. Murugesan’s wife was also attacked and both have been given police protection. The protesters urged the government to take action against the miscreants and safeguard writer’s freedom of expression in the state. Protesters also said that the attacks on the writers had increased in the recent past.

Mar 1, 2015

Heart travels from Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh to save life

Hyderabad, March 01 (ANI): In a one-of-a-kind medical procedure, a heart retrieved from a brain dead patient was airlifted from from Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh to save a life. As per reports, a 30-year old labourer who met with an accident earlier this week in Bengaluru city of Karnataka was declared brain dead. His organs, including his heart, lungs and kidneys were donated. A recipient for his heart was found in the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh state’s Hyderabad city. The heart was then airlifted from the state-run Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) hospital in Bengaluru to the Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad. A green corridor was created in the city so that the ambulance had a freeway. The vehicle carrying the organ reached the hospital in less than three minutes.

Mar 1, 2015

Foreign Secretary Jaishankar to begin SAARC Yatra with Bhutan visit

New Delhi, March 01 (ANI): Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar will commence his four-nation SAARC Yatra from Sunday, with Bhutan being the first port of call. The visit to Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan between March 1 and March 4 is being seen as the Government's desire to give a fillip to its neighbourhood outreach policy. After visiting Bhutan today, Jaishankar will travel to Bangladesh on March 2, Pakistan on March 3 and Afghanistan on March 4. He will undertake visits to Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal later.

Mar 1, 2015

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to be sworn in as J&K CM today amidst tight security

New Delhi, March 01 (ANI): People's Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed will be sworn as the next chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday amidst very tight security. He will be heading a PDP-BJP coalition government. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the General Zorawar Auditorium of Jammu University from around 11 a.m. on Sunday and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and leaders of both the PDP and BJP, besides other invited dignitaries. The Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, NN Vohra, will administer the oath of office and secrecy. According to reports, Sayeed, 79, will take oath as chief minister along with 12 members each from PDP and BJP.

Mar 1, 2015

Ousted from JD (U), Manjhi forms new party 'Hindustan Awaam Morcha'

New Delhi, March 01 (ANI): Ousted Janata Dal (United) leader and former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi floated a new party, the 'Hindustan Awaam Morcha'. According to reports, the HAM has been formed to counter the JD (U) ahead of Bihar assembly polls to be held later this year. Manjhi's supporters are said to be predominantly Mahadalits and other backward castes. Last week, the 70-year-old Manjhi had resigned from the top post in Bihar ahead of a crucial trust vote in the state assembly. While tendering his resignation to Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, he also recommended dissolution of the assembly, a suggestion that was not taken into consideration.

Mar 1, 2015

Women cadre of BSF set out on month-long Camel Safari

Bhuj, March 01 (ANI): In a laudable initiative, women cadre of paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) have set out on a month-long camel safari to spread the message of women empowerment and raise awareness about the hardships faced by the force. BSF has tied up with Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF) for the expedition, which will be led by Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest. A total of 20 women are participating in the expedition, a part of BSF’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. The expedition was flagged off on Tuesday from Bhuj city of Gujarat and it will pass through various border villages of Rajasthan and Punjab. The expedition will conclude at Wagah border in Punjab on March 24. Speaking about the expedition, Pal said that it was a way to acknowledge the hard work put in by BSF officials in keeping the country safe. The women officials have been given 10 days of special training in the desert of Rann of Kutch and also in various other environments

Mar 1, 2015